Road Trip Part 3: Peoria and Back Home

Friday was the 4th of July, so we packed the car and left early that morning for the final leg of our trip to Peoria, IL, to visit the last of the Derry clan and enjoy the July 4th festivities together.  We rolled into town just in time to catch the city parade.  It was fantastic!

Within minutes, look who came marching down the parade route!  This candidate has our vote, no doubt.  They quickly absorbed Liam, who was excited to be reunited with his old wedding buddy Izzy, and they finished the parade route together.

Afterwards, we all met back at Uncle Andrew and Aunt Beth's house where we finally got to meet Rockne!

Then, it was off to Nichole and Berto's house for a cookout... and a nap :)

We rounded out the day with a trip to Dozer Park to cheer on the Chiefs and catch their fantastic fireworks display!

Twinsies :)

Why yes, those are indeed giant ears of corn dancing in center field after the Chiefs scored!

Chiefs win!  What a day!  (What a week!)

That night, we put our happily exhausted little men to bed at Uncle Andrew and Aunt Beth's house, only to scoop them up again a few hours later to get on the road back to KoP.

After a long day of driving, we had a quick overnight stay in Zanesville, OH, (where we got out all our pent-up energy in the hotel swimming pool), and made it home by lunchtime on Sunday.

It was an absolutely awesome trip, and we are so grateful to everyone who shared their time, homes, toys, meals, and love with us that week!